{circa. 1950}

It has come to my attention that there may be people out there who have no idea about Sunset Boulevard – only one of the best films of all time by iconic director Billy Wilder. This disturbs me slightly, so here’s a glimmer of that inspiration in guise of one of our classic {MUSIC MINUTE}s.

Scored by legendary Hollywood composer Franz Waxman, the moody jazzy score provides the perfect sultry and mysterious backdrop for this strange tale. If I had a dime for every time I said “they don’t make them like they used to” . . . but this film is the epitome of that sentiment.

The film opens as a murder investigation, but delves into the twisted depths of an aging silent movie starlet who coerced a handsome screenwriter to be her live-in gigolo. When he decides its time to leave, things get very . . . dramatic.

Gloria Swanson who was an aging silent movie star herself brings such complexity, vulnerability, and diva strength – you are sure to be shook. On top of that, the film is a gorgeous display of midcentury Hollywood style and glamour; from the grandeur of the mansion (which was also used in Rebel Without a Cause) littered with gold leaf, exotic mouldings, tapestries, and furs to some seriously chic loungewear – there really is inspiration at every turn.

So watch these Main Titles, take in that awesome score, and get yourself a copy of Sunset Boulevard!

You wont regret it.

Just doing our duty of bring the {past} to the {present} to shape the {future}.

“A chance to sit quietly and find out who you are; where you’ve been and where you’re going.”

-Ira Levin, Rosemary’s Baby

{published in 1967}

I called this an interlude because of its sauntering sweet nature between the high stakes and drama that is”Rosemary’s Baby”.

Polanski’s iconic film had many claiming he had beckoned the murder of his glamorous superstar wife, Sharon Tate just months following the film’s release, with this chilling tale of a wife sold to a coven of witches to give birth to the child of Satan!

The myth of the curse on the film was further perpetuated when John Lennon was murdered just outside the historic and now notorious Dakota building (below) just across the street from Central Park in New York City.

in·ter·lude

noun \ˈin-tər-ˌlüd\

3. a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service

So enjoy this brief interlude, and sail away with this new vintage classic. . .

Bobby Beausoleil has a bit of a bad rep. Bad rep could be an understatement, but it’s true.

It never helps to be friends with Charles Manson, or get caught up in a war against society, but its sad to have this overshadow some of his greater achievements, like music. It goes without saying that he was a rebel to the extreme; a hardcore bad boy, his music translates a certain genius that was erased by his life’s tragedies.

Entitled “Penumbra”, and composed by Beausoleil himself, the track was not used for the film, but can be heard today along with the Freedom Orchestra to create a magical and mystic ride to other places. It’s definitely something to jam to, and knowing how the darkness delights you, I’m sure you will find this one truly intrinsic.

Bobby Beausoleil appeared also appeared in Kenneth Anger’s magic short, “Invocation of My Demon Brother”, alongside Anger himself, and the notorious Anton LaVey – the founder and High Priest of the First Church of Satan, and a staple haunt of the entertainment industry in California during this time.

Bobby Beausoleil, insane in the membrane in “Invocation of My Demon Brother” (1969)

This piece is the opening song to Hiroshi Teshigahara’s 1966 film “The Face of Another”, an equally disturbing and visually dynamic style stunner to his more famous film “The Woman in the Dunes”, which were also written by the novelist Kobo Abe, who wrote the books from which both films are based off of.

We love the saunter to this piece, and the brilliant mystery it encapsulates….

+CARNIVAL OF SOULS+

{japanese poster – 1962}

such a fine example of vintage japanese poster art! Would love this for the walls of our studio!

“Carnival of Souls” is a magical movie. It’s both dreamy and nightmarish, and could have been absolutely forgotten if it weren’t for the tireless fans who keep promoting the film for the work of art it is. It also goes to show that it doesn’t take millions of dollars to get a good film done – all it takes is some unique ideas and dedicated actors to bring the vision to life.

Contemporary Hollywood should take a note.

Listen to some of the fantastic score by Gene Moore, that features the fantastic use of the pipe organ for a hyper-atmospheric experience. The pipe organ is coming back into play in a more recent film, “Only God Forgives” , which features music by the great Cliff Martinez. {click here for a preview of the score}

The scene almost comes out of nowhere, but its an integral piece of the puzzle in what is arguably one of the best films ever made.

Roman Polanski’s 1974 classic “Chinatown” was written by Robert Towne (who won the film’s sole Academy Award for Original Screenplay) and starred Faye Dunaway and the never better Jack Nicholson in a poignant reconception of the classic film noir that took the genre from the dark wet streets of the cold bitter city to the overheated dry spell of a Los Angeles bathed in tones of gold, cream, and pastel hues.

There had never been a hero before or since who spent most as much screen time with an obtrusive bandage covering his face, and yet still just be as dapper.

For the film, legendary costume designer, Anthea Sylbert, designed and crafted most of the pieces from scratch to ensure the perfect fit and tonality with the film’s washed-out summery palette. For Dunaway’s character, Sylbert took inspiration from classic noirs such as “Double Indemnity” and “Mildred Pierce”, but it is truly the stunning menswear for Jake Gittes who receives most of the love in the wardrobe department (which is very very rare, and much appreciated on our part).

Indeed, Sylbert has chosen only the finest materials to work with in crafting clothes for Jake. Three-piece suits made of quality wools, silks, and linens with wide lapels indicative of the period (1937). Best of all, you will never find him in your run of the mill suit – it always has some brilliant colour story to it, and with the summer heat, Jake isn’t afraid to embrace lighter colours (camel, khaki, sage – you should follow suit).

And what would a three-piece suit be without a crisp, clean, and modern fedora? Jake definitely has some serious style in spades.

While watching the film, keep an eye out for impressive pocket square and necktie combinations. It’s a great way to pick up a few tips and garner a little inspiration. Don’t be afraid of pattern, and aim to stand out from the crowd.

There must be over a dozen separate looks over the span of the film, but that’s just the kind of guy Jake Gittes is. He knows the power of style, and what it means to dress to impress. After all, it’s much easier to go where you need, and get what you want, like that.

So let’s take a few pointers, and look at why almost 40 years later, “Chinatown” is the ultimate go-to for vintage style inspiration this summer!

Forever and always a favourite, add “Chinatown” to your list of films to watch this summer! Also, don’t forget to check out the {SHOP} for all the amazing finds, because we have just what it takes to be as stylin’ as Jake Gittes, himself. I definitely think he’d approve . . .